Bloggin'; Watchin’ Games

With the 49ers playing tomorrow night, we thought we might lend a few NFL opinions:

1. Watching the Packers-Vikings, I think Adrian Peterson is overrated. Yes, he’s got speed, size, vision, but I’ve not seen a signature run from him yet. You know, the tackle-bursting, great-cutting touchdown jaunt where you sit back and just say, “Wow.” In the highlights from last week’s game, it appeared that Peterson wasn’t touched until he was 10 yards downfield if then. The offensive line performance from last week is what gained Peterson all those yards. That line, by the way, is coached Pat Morris, who used to perform the same duty for the 49ers. Another former 49ers coach, Mike McCarthy, is looking pretty good about now. Notice how Favre has revived a sagging career under McCarthy? Former Raiders and Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks had his only good years under McCarthy.

2. The Patriots have a bye, but I don’t see them going undefeated. Eventually, the Moss factor will get them. Moss is so good, he makes quarterbacks lazy. They always know they can throw it up to him, even if he’s well-covered. Eventually other receivers get ignored, even if they’re wide open. Tom Brady did that a little last week against the Colts. On one touchdown pass, he fired to a covered Moss who made the play. But the Pats had two receivers uncovered in the middle of the field. That could catch up to them.

By the way,a well-reasoned discussion yesterday on why the 49ers don’t run more. Of course a big reason is they’re always trailing. Another is the defenses they’re playing. Last week, the Falcons played some “zero” coverage, meaning no safeties back at all. It’s rare to see that in the NFL, and you have to pass against it. And as everyone knows, Alex Smith had three receivers open for touchdowns and overthrew all three.